I like using applications that end up quickening my workflows and make it more efficient. That is one of the main reasons why I am part of at least 15 iOS and 5 macOS apps’ beta testers’ list. Also, being a Product Manager myself, I like reaching out to developers with my feedback and get an amazing rush when they decided to implement the suggested changes. This has led me to build great connections with many developers and also test out many apps before shortlisting the ones I actually end up using in my daily life.
I have a few criteria when it comes to choosing an application/service.
- Cross-platform (at least within the Apple ecosystem): I have 3 main devices — MacBook, iPad, and iPhone. For any application I might choose, they must be present on each of those ecosystems. I follow this rule for 99% of the time unless there’s an app that’s extraordinarily good in a subset of those platforms.
- Design: A very important reason why I might consider an application is its overall design aesthetics. I strongly feel that if the design of an app, on its own, doesn’t make me want to use an app, I’ll often end up not using it at all. I’ll actually end up spending more time looking for its alternatives instead.
- Speed of adoption of new features: I’d consider myself an early adopter when it comes to technology. Consequently, I find myself losing patience with apps that do not update themselves with new technologies quickly enough. For example, since I use Siri Shortcuts quite extensively on my iOS devices, I stay away from apps that don’t have extensive support for Shortcuts.
- Payment structure: It is unfortunate that most good quality applications have switched over to the subscription model these days. Nevertheless, if I manage to find an alternative that supports one-time payments, I’d definitely gravitate towards that. There are quite a few applications that have lifetime plans, and I end up buying those ones often if I am sold of the applications’ usefulness and have faith in the developer.
Speaking of how I choose my applications, here’s a rundown of 10 top apps that you’d always find installed on my devices.
Alfred
Platform: macOS
Payment Structure: Free, £29 per upgrade, £49 lifetime upgrades
URL: https://www.alfredapp.com
Alternatives: Quicksilver, LaunchBar & Lacona
I can not talk about productivity apps and not mention Alfred. Frankly, I find myself absolutely paralyzed every time I switch to a new Mac and I don’t have it installed on it. This one app itself supercharges my workflows by 3-4 times. To get an idea of ways how I use Alfred, check out these workflows I had published on my blog. If you’re interested don’t forget to visit their forum or this nifty list of workflows published by the app developers themselves.